Intel to Bring 5G to Mobile PCs in 2H19

Intel has announced it has teamed up with Dell, HP, Lenovo and Microsoft to introduce 5G connectivity to Windows mobile PCs.

The agreements will involve embedding Windows PCs with Intel's XMM 8000 series of commercial 5G modems. The first 5G connected PCs are expected to reach the market in the second half of next year.

At next week's Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona, Intel plans to show off a concept 5G connected PC – a detachable 2 in 1 tablet/notebook hybrid – using an early 5G modem and Intel Core i5 processors.

The proof of concept will involve demonstrating livestreaming video on the PC over a 5G network, and explore potential future use cases for 5G connectivity on PCs including VR streaming from anywhere in the world and engaging in multiplayer gaming from an autonomous vehicle.

Intel will also use the event to showcase a thin PC equipped with 802.11ax Wi-Fi, as well as eSIM functionality for connected PCs. As of September 2017, all of Intel's modem solutions for PCs support eSIM in enterprise and consumer segments.

“Intel is investing deeply across its wireless portfolio and partners to bring 5G-connected mobile PCs to market, with benefits for users, like high-quality video on-the-go, high-end gaming, and seamless connections as users traverse Wi-Fi and cellular networks,” the company said in a statement.

“With 5G's critical speeds and capacity, Intel will help to open the door to new experiences hardly imaginable today, and make connecting online from anywhere, anytime the norm.”